San Soo Alternate History/Legend

In ancient times the monks needed a form of exercise and an organized way to defend themselves from being robbed and brutally roughed up. Being non-violent they had to practice on each other and learn how not to hurt each other. Hundreds of brilliant minds developed a form of exercise that would not only strengthen the body, but also strengthen their ability to defend themselves.

They had to study how the human body moved and functioned. They learned the vital areas and non-vital areas of the human anatomy. They learned the damages that could be inflicted when striking different areas of the human body. But at the same time they kept a high respect for their fellow man. They went on the supposition that the mind and character of any individual is not completely known. With this assumption any human could be equal as a fighter. Non-violence was the intent. They trained with the thought that they had to commit themselves to do their best if ever having to utilize their skills. As these trained individuals branched off and left the training environment, deciding to either raise a family of their own or travel elsewhere, they taught bits and pieces of their knowledge here and there. It was developed for survival.

Over the years martial arts, especially with the rise of the Olympics, have been watered down for the utilization of a game or sports environment. Depending on the environment and terrain, cultural diversities and size of the individuals of that region was what aspect of Martial Arts Education was dwelled on. The first organized fighting system was developed for survival no matter what the situation. The size of your attacker and the environment that you may be in at the time is a consideration in your training. In-fighting, ground fighting and the ability to manipulate any individual to your advantage is the main goal in the training in the first organized fighting system.

The 5 elements of the system are simple; punching & kicking, leverages (principles of physics) or joint manipulation, Pressure points or knowledge of nerve points, Psychology or the knowledge of body reactions (the thinking mans art) and the knowledge of power & balance or the ability to maximize your effort with the least amount of energy (concepts of physical and internal strength). As Martial Arts Education began we have to note that it was based on the element of surprise. It was determined that once an attacker was in the state of mind of conflict, you needed the advantage. This advantage came from the element of surprise. By appearing untrained or not having any fighting skill knowledge. This is why Martial Arts Education has been past down from generation to generation in the manner that it has, to keep it pure and true. It is not pretty or flamboyant. The practitioner uses their own grace and skill to show the beauty of the movements as originally taught. These devastating movements, strikes or techniques are truly an Art form when practiced in a pure manner, as the original practitioners did. In a manner as not to injure each other and still get the true effect.